Cockatoo Island Accommodation

This was our second stay at a Harbour View Apartment, the first time we had the one-bedroom one and this time we booked the two-bedroom apartment, as there were three of us. Our stay coincided with two days of extreme heat and humidity, and since the apartment only had ceiling fans and a small and very noisy portable air-conditioner it did get a touch uncomfortable. We still enjoyed our stay, but potential guests should be aware of the cooling arrangements. Also worth mentioning might be the capriciousness of the WiFi connection. We were told this was only available around the reception area. However, we did manage to gain access in our apartment now and again. The apartment itself was spacious and immaculate, really a bit too big for just three people. The bedrooms and bathroom were on the small side, but the living area was huge. The kitchen had cutlery and crockery for six people, a microwave and fridge as well as a capsule coffee machine with pods. There were also coffee bags and tea bags, but no herbal tea. We received a carton of milk at check-in and only discovered later that it was skim milk. You are expected to wash and clear away your dishes and drop your rubbish into a bin outdoors before leaving. Don't hope to gain access to your apartment before 3 pm, but you can while away the time until check-in with a walk around or a coffee at the cafe. Be aware that the cafe is not open for dinner, so you will need to bring your own or pre-order a BBQ pack, or catch a ferry to the "mainland". Since the apartments are located on the upper island, you might want to accept the offer of taking you and your luggage up in a buggy. Pick-up is also available on request. A stay on Cockatoo Island is highly recommended for its uniqueness and the island's historical significance. The harbour views from the apartment are sensational, although you will only be able to glimpse the very top of a sail of the Opera House. If you get up early you might be lucky to see the sky glow over the Harbour Bridge. If you can afford it, try to stay for New Year's Eve.

Highly recommend staying in the Garden View apartment (more like a one level house!). We came with family and friends (4 boys under 12) for a 2 day local getaway to escape the school holidays 'what to do' . Have glamped before and our friends did again this time, but we decided this time to pay extra for the apartment and was not disappointed. Very surprised how modern and clean it was, it was immaculate, and such a nice way to spend a short stay on this island. Location on the island is fantastic, the garden was a big bonus and it just made our short stay perfect. We brought scooters and spent a day exploring the island. Having lived in Sydney for 20years, we forget how we are spoilt with such amazing accessible places a short ferry ride.

It was quite expensive for the service. The staff were not very welcoming but pleasant enough. The highlights are you are camping on the harbor and the view is very pretty. At sunset the very large bats come out which is quite cool to see but they are very loud with each other. Here is somethings you should know. Both eateries close at 430 pm so plan accordingly for dinner. If you get the package that includes electricity it’s only on from 6pm-6am. The waterway is very active until dark then the row teams start at 0500 it might have been earlier but their coaches are very loud and aggressive. What a way to wake up. It was nice just manage your expectations.

We wish we had stayed longer at the Heritage House. It was clean, well stocked and comfortable. The old world atmosphere added to our relaxation and we were able to go to the city by ferry for dinner at numerous venues because it is just one or two stops via the Rivercat. Lots of things to see and do and the views are magical.

We love the cockatoo Island camping experience ! the island has a stunning location in the middle of the Sydney harbour surrounded by blue waters the island has a great 200 years old history where it was a former of convict colony, as well as a ship building yard, a power station and now thankfully it’s been preserved very well with sustainable tourism of tents, studios and villas.

Fantastic little getaway with my daughter and her friends. they had a ball, facilities were wonderful and very clean and the tents were spotless and incredibly comfortable . We will be back for sure :)